AJ slams censure plan

Legal adviser to the People's National Party (PNP) A.J. Nicholson yesterday characterised as sinister the Government's attempt to bring a censure motion to Parliament against former National Security Minister Dr Peter Phillips.

"We believe that this is a sinister approach by this administration," declared Nicholson in reference to the censure motion, which has been proposed by Government backbencher Gregory Mair.

Addressing a press conference during the luncheon session of the Manatt-Dudus commission of enquiry, Nicholson declared: "This administration is seeking to prejudice the outcome of the enquiry."

He said the Standing Orders (rules) of Parliament stipulate that matters under judicial review should not be subject to such scrutiny.

Nicholson contended that the same rule applies as the commission of enquiry is a quasi-judicial body.

Not the time

"This is not the time to try persons when the matter is before a tribunal," Nicholson stressed.

Despite his own objections, however, the former justice minister and attorney general declared the Opposition would relish the debate.

Through the censure motion, Phillips is expected to be taken to task about the manner in which he signed two memoranda of understanding without the knowledge of Cabinet.

The Government contends that the MOUs had breached the constitutional rights of accused drug kingpin Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

Nicholson stressed that the commissioners would have to examine the evidence tendered by Phillips.